Pay Cuts for L.A. Teachers

The LAUSD board is considering an across-the-board 3% salary cut. The district currently pays teachers and many other categories of employees holiday pay during the winter holiday (Christmas/New Year) break. That is, they do not work this time but are paid. I suggest that the board consider simply shutting the entire district down for this period, since children are on vacation anyway, and put all employees on a furlough without pay for this period. This would amount to approximately a 2 1/2% cut.

In addition, the district would save on reduced utility bills, etc. At the same time, it would correct the inequity of having some employees having to actually work during this time for pay while others are paid for not working.

DAVID J. MELVOLD, Irvine